Changes were made to the gearbox, gear ratios and rear suspension which means the car must now start from the pits as per article 34.5 of the Sporting Regulations. Among the other elements changed on Webber’s RB9 were his rear wing and clutch.

The aim of the alterations will most likely be to improve the car’s straight-line speed and increase Webber’s potential to overtake as he fights his way through the field.

The team made similar changes to Sebastian Vettel’s car in Abu Dhabi last year when he was also sent to the back of the grid following a refuelling error in qualifying.

I wish people would leave Grosjean and Maldonado alone. This year, and for the last few races last year, Perez appears to be involved in or causing more incidents, yet they appear to be forgotten.. Whereas Grosjean and Maldonado are showing they’ve reformed and are still being ridiculed…